Month: February 2019

Just when you think you are exclusive like you got the latest iPhone or you tried a hip restaurant, the biggest thing no longer becomes exclusive. Well, Barnes and Noble had the special edition of “Girl Stop Apologizing” in select stores as well as other retailers received shipments early, where some copies have been sold. So it’s a crazy deal, but Rachel Hollis’ crew decided the book release date will be moved up a week to March 5th. It’s a joy to know the world can obtain a copy of this book early.

I discovered Hollis after I had lost my grandpa. In a somber state, I read “Rising Strong” by Brene Brown, “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert and then “Girl Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis. It made the bright sunshine at my favorite place to read by the pool in the summer feel a little bit more enjoyable like before. That book pushed me slowly out of the state where I was like, “now how do I move on.”

Other than falling asleep after reading a few pages tired at night, this book was a quick read. I read 3/4ths of it within a 5-hour time frame on a Saturday. I loved the three components that it was made up: excuses to let go of, behaviors to adopt, and skills to acquire. Even though I’m not a parent, I enjoy the content she produces. “So I refuse to teach them that you should pursue your dreams but simultaneously be ashamed of them,” Hollis writes in Excuse 8: What will they think?

Even though I’m not a parent, I enjoy the content she produces. “So I refuse to teach my children that you should pursue your dreams but simultaneously be ashamed of them,” Hollis writes in Excuse 8: What will they think? That’s quite a powerful statement. We need to forget the pressures the rest of the world has on us while we want to simply achieve her goals. I feel as though we should not even be afraid to tell our best friends and siblings our dreams.

This is a book that a lot of people are not going to like to hear because it is not only for discipline, but it is about finding a way to make things happen. Yeah, you might be uncomfortable during the process, but it deals with communication and planning. The truth is not one that people will like to hear.

This book made me think of a lot of strong women I know who are working women that are involved in the community. First, it’s easy to ridicule someone with a nanny or who goes on a date night, but it’s very important. I know people argue about Hollis’ once a week date night rule, but it has helped a couple I know whose child underwent cancer treatments. Lisa’s mom suggested that they have a date night once a week to forget about their worries. Between balancing a sick child and clients, Lisa along with her husband Derek made date night work. Also, I babysat for a family when their nanny was not able to watch their kids. When I was at Leila’s house she was in and out checking on her girls where she listened to all that was on my mind. I just knew I was helping her with the daily tasks.

In the end, I feel as though Hollis’ content is about creating support for one another. However, it begins with ourselves. There’s something about reading Hollis’ content where you look around then suddenly your house is cleaner, you have ingested more water, and there’s a project you planned to do that’s completed. With this book, I definitely want to focus on writing more not for clients like I have in the past, but for myself.

Also, one thing I might add is that BuzzFeed mentioned how Hollis had copied other writers. In this book, Rachel quotes many authors including Jen Hatmaker. Rachel does have a whole crew that helps her put together content. I do not stand by cheating at all. However, I have written down ideas to turn around and see someone else with the same idea so stuff like this happens, but she gave credit in “Girl Stop Apologizing.”

My sister often jokes that my bathroom cabinets are full of neat products to try. I just can’t help myself when following my e-newsletters of new products and finding goods at Nordstrom Rack. However, Madeline, I hope that you loved me bringing the Urban Decay Bubble Mask to use on the nights before your wedding day. Marie Kondo (I know cliche) has helped me learn to simplify, but I did cave in a little bit. With a birthday discount code from Tarte, trying to find products for the cold weather, and a new release sample, I just could not help myself.

Clary Travel Bath + Body Oil– My hair stylist has kept Clary Collection at her salon, The Green House. I have wanted to try it considering that she swears by it. One of the founders is Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys wife, so I wanted to try it. I give it 4/5 stars. The downfall is that it is oil based so it’s only used after taking a shower or bath. However, the stupid dry patch of skin of my right arm has gone away since using it. It does take a while for it to transfer fully to your skin though. However, it is great for when the colder weather makes your skin look bad.

Trader Joe’s Rich Hydrating Sheet Mask– After much frustration at the cost of sheet masks, I decided to give this a try since it was only $2 for one package. I can say that now my frustration is having to circle the Trader Joe’s parking lot in a time frame of 6 songs instead of the cost of face masks. I did not try Trader Joe’s until last spring, but I’m obsessed. So each time, I’m at Trader Joe’s I will get a box of them. This is a gem if you have desert dry skin like me. When Nashville had random temperature drops, this provided relief because I dreaded walking to my car with the wind blasting on my face. Sadly, this is not available for purchase online. So I will say a prayer for you when battling the lot.

Tarte’s Rain Forest of the Sea Deep Sea Collagen Super Serum– That’s quite the name, now say it 3 times fast. Tarte’s Mermaid Skin is a gift from God and I swear by it. However, it only provides hydration. However, this is the answered prayer for your skin to feel plumped and rejuvenated. It just makes your skin feel natural and not oily or your rubbed something on it. This transfers well where the serum doesn’t feel like it’s just sitting on your skin.

Living Proof’s Triple Detox Shampoo– I signed up to receive a sample of this product before it was released. Well, I had waited a month and it arrived at my door. It’s already in stores now, but don’t flock or worry about getting this at all. I learned that Living Proof’s Perfect hair Day Dry Shampoo provides the best volume for blondes. Just one use lasts for days. Y’all, I get mad when each can gets empty. However, as for this product, I may be okay with not seeing it again. I give it 2/5 stars, but only because it’s a level above drug store shampoo. It comes with a ph stick to check the water, w I have hard water. When shampooing my hair, this did not lather well. It messed up the way my hair styled. I style my hair with a huge round brush and a blowdryer. I did everything like before, but my hair went the exact opposite way and I’ve had to part my hair differently. Immediately after I dried my hair, I jumped back in the shower to use my regular shampoo, but my hair still feels weird because of this.

However, here’s a trick for a real hair detox: Ladies, I’m glad no money was lost, but I prefer a shower beer. Yes, when my hair has been excessively oily, I wash my hair with my regular shampoo and beer. Between each lather I will pour the beer on my hair. This is great when you live off of dry shampoo. I would recommend that you take the beer out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before washing your hair so it’s not cold.